Aerosmith & YUNGBLUD // one more time
aerosmith’s classic rock chaos meets the modern mayhem of yungblud
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
2025 has without a doubt been a wild ride for YUNGBLUD. A massive global tour, his first step into fashion with his London BRAT (Beautifully Romanticised Accidentally Traumatized) store, performing “Changes” at the late great Ozzy Osbournes final bow show, and his recent Grammy nomination for this year's release of the album Idols.
He’s barely had time to catch his breath. But, in true YUNGBLUD style, his next move is the rock 'n' roll avenue with classic rock icons Aerosmith.
Teaming up with the undeniable rock giants Aerosmith, a group that needs no introduction. The collaboration comes on the heels of their powerful performance at the 2025 MTV VMA’s earlier this month, where they performed a rousing rendition of “My Angel”, the title track released back in October.
What began originally as a guest feature on the nine-minute epic “Hello Heaven, Hello”. Their instant chemistry sparked into something unexpected and bigger. Going onto a full writing session that has led to their new five-track EP One More Time, which consists of four original songs co-written by Aerosmith and YUNGBLUD plus a newly remixed “Back In The Saddle”.
Produced by Matt Schwartz, the record captures YUNGBLUD’s raw talent colliding with Aerosmith’s legendary musicianship: Perry’s guitars burn with that trademark grit, and Tyler’s unmistakable voice intertwines with YUNGBLUD’s across each track. Long-time friend Matt Sorum (former Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver drummer) rounds out the lineup behind the kit.
If that wasn't enough, the new EP marks Aerosmith’s first new music in over 12 years. With the title song, "My Angel", kickstarting the album, it goes on to interweave a weird and wonderful narrative. With the track "Problems", packing in a mad dash of sounds and wails that can only be described as delightfully chaotic. Having Steven Tyler and YUNGBLUD on the mic, you wouldn't expect anything less. It’s not reinventing the wheel, but it’s an interesting listen. The tantalising screams and unhinged energy meet in harmony with the acidic trip sounds coming from the strings of Perry’s guitar.
But it's the standout "Wild Woman" that is the chef's kiss, a blues-drenched bassline that oozes sex appeal – another connotation that can be linked to the musicians. It's sultry and smoky and complements YUNGBLUD's vocals in particular just beautifully. He and Tyler come together to create a visual story that sees them as cowboys you’d happily saddle up with. With the sample of Bon Jovi's "Dead or Alive" as the main musical character it wouldn’t be out of place in the musical Rock of Ages. Which honestly suits the two rock stars, who, similar to Stacie Jaxx, are rarely seen with a top on.
"A Thousand Days" plays like a prelude to that previous heat but with a little twist. It strangely sounds like a father-son duet and the passing of the torch. It channels those 80s power ballads, you know the ones. The songs that have us enamoured by the glamour and the theatrics of such storytelling. Both vocalists are a dream to listen to and again balance one another yet still stand out as individuals. While it sounds like a wise tale, it's a yearning story infused with a burning passion and angst and topped by Sorum’s powerful drumming skills.
Closing out the EP with “Back in the Saddle” it’s a reminder of just why these two artists are so well known and draw people in. They’re magnetic. Both called the collaboration electric, with Steven Tyler comparing it to a “cosmic collision” and “plugging into pure electricity”, while YUNGBLUD reflects deeper, “It’s the kind of collaboration that young me wouldn’t even dream of, so to sit here holding a vinyl in my hand that says Aerosmith and YUNGBLUD on it is truly blowing my mind. ”
The final track leaves an impression with it being a true Aerosmith classic. Packed with iconic riffs, crashing drums, and Tyler's trademark screams sliced in between. At just five tracks, it’s a short and sweet listen but is packed with high-voltage rock and roll blues. While at times it can serve more as an edgy rock soundtrack, especially on tracks like “Wild Woman” you don't mind, as it just shows what magic can be created when modern and classic come together.
The artists speak about the process of working together:
The decision to meet Yungblud and make this music with him…was like plugging into pure electricity!” says Steven Tyler. ‘For Joe and me it was another cosmic collision… to find ourselves in the studio with this outrageously talented and positively wild animal named Dom. Here’s this kid that lives his life out loud… grew up on our records and the British invasion... and now we’re in the studio together creating something that bridges generations. He devoured all the same greats looked up to… And then he started to dream on. It’s as simple as that.” Tyler declares. “When we sang and played together for the first time, there was an immediate unspoken vibration throughout the studio… It reminded me of the wheels of the car vibrating my seat as the boys and I drove into Boston 50 years ago for the very first time. It had that same deep intimate pressure of necessity. To make it… make it great… something fresh and new… and make it last forever. That’s the rock 'n' roll way, baby! Yungblud wants this next chapter in rock history and asked us to be a part of it. We got on so well… The vibe in the room was epic from the start… we had a blast… and were truly honoured to write with him! Rock and roll becomes timeless when you pour your heart and soul into it… that’s when the magic happens.”
Of the collaboration, Joe Perry said, “A year ago, I got a call that Yungblud wanted to come to Sarasota to work with me and write some songs. I had heard his single and said, Hell yeah, this guy’s got the juice. Four days in the studio and we got to know each other along with his team. I called Steven and told him, 'You have to hear this guy Yungblud—he’s the real deal.' Fast forward to May, and we’re in the studio with Steven recording new music. The end result turned out to be an amazing collaboration between Aerosmith and Yungblud. Let the music do the talking.”
Yungblud shares, "Aerosmith has been such a staple of rock and roll and showmanship for me, so I’ve been ready for this my whole life. As soon as we entered the studio, the chemistry exploded and the songs just poured out of us. It’s the kind of collaboration that young me wouldn’t even dream of, so to sit here holding a vinyl in my hand that says Aerosmith and YUNGBLUD on it is truly blowing my mind. Steven and Joe are at the top of their game, and working with them is a huge fucking honour. I’m making records with my heroes; the shows are insane every night, and rock ‘n’ roll is waking the fuck up whether you like it or not. I'm loving every second."
